CM Women Employment Scheme: As the Bihar Assembly elections heat up, the political landscape surrounding the Chief Minister’s Women’s Employment Scheme (CMWESY) has also heated up. Launched to economically empower women, the scheme has now become the focus of political controversy. While the opposition is targeting the government by calling it a “loan,” the Nitish Kumar government claims it is purely a “grant” that women will not have to repay.
Objective of the Chief Minister’s Women’s Employment Scheme
The Chief Minister’s Women’s Employment Scheme aims to empower women in Bihar to become self-reliant. Under this scheme, eligible women are being provided financial assistance of ₹10,000 so they can start self-employment ventures of their choice. The government says that this amount has been transferred to the accounts of 15.1 million women so far, and the remaining women will receive the benefit by December.
According to government data, this scheme is not limited to financial assistance; it is also developing fairs and markets from villages to cities to sell products produced by women. Women who utilize this initial amount properly will be eligible for additional assistance of up to ₹2 lakh in the next phase.
CM Women Employment Scheme: A New Frontier in Politics
However, the biggest debate surrounding this scheme is its political aspect. The opposition RJD has alleged that the government transferred money to women’s accounts despite the Model Code of Conduct being in place, which could impact the fairness of the elections.
Rajya Sabha MP Prof. Manoj Jha has written to the Election Commission stating that money was transferred to accounts on October 17, 24, and 31, while the next installment is scheduled for November 7—just four days before the second phase of voting.
Government’s Response: “The Opposition is Scared by the Power of Women”
JDU Acting National President Sanjay Jha countered the issue, saying that the RJD is scared of the growing power of women. He said that this scheme is a historic step towards women’s empowerment, improving the economic condition of millions of families.
He also said that Nitish Kumar has prioritized women’s dignity and self-reliance since assuming power in 2005, and this scheme is an extension of that vision.
CM Women Employment Scheme: Women’s Participation and Eligibility
One eligible woman from every family will benefit from this scheme. Eligibility requires that the woman be associated with a Jeevika self-help group or be linked to one. Furthermore, the applicant or her husband must not be income tax payers or hold a government job. The woman must be between 18 and 60 years of age.
The CM Women Employment Scheme in Bihar is not just a government scheme, but an important step towards increasing women’s social and economic participation. However, the controversy surrounding it in the election environment has made it a subject of political debate. While the government is calling it a “model of women’s empowerment,” the opposition is calling it a means of “electoral gain.”
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on various media reports and government sources. The policies, amounts, and procedures associated with any scheme may change from time to time. Readers are advised to consult the state government website or the relevant department for the most up-to-date and official information on any scheme.
